MDIF Trains Youths on Employability, Financial Independence in Jos
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Migration and Development Impact Foundation (MDIF) has organised a youth employability and wealth creation training in Jos, urging young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship, vocational skills and ethical values as pathways to financial independence and responsible leadership.
Speaking during the training on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Margaret Ngozi Ukegbu, said the initiative was aimed at equipping youths with practical knowledge needed to survive the country’s harsh economic realities and rising unemployment.
She noted that the growing difficulty in gaining admission into tertiary institutions, alongside limited job opportunities, has made skill acquisition increasingly important for young people.
“With the challenges around university admissions and unemployment, young people need practical skills that can help them survive and create wealth honestly,” she said.
Ms Ukegbu explained that the training was designed to encourage youths to become self-reliant while pursuing higher education or searching for formal employment opportunities.
According to her, many young Nigerians venture into businesses without adequate planning or proper understanding, a situation she said often leads to failure.
“It is not just about saying you want to start a business. Without proper preparation and understanding, many businesses collapse before they even begin,” she said.
Drawing from her personal experience, she encouraged participants to explore legitimate side businesses and develop multiple streams of income without compromising integrity or professional ethics.
“When I was at the university, I traded while studying. Even during my years in public service, I still engaged in small businesses that did not interfere with my duties to my employers,” she said.
The MDIF chief stressed that discipline, consistency and lawful enterprise remain critical to achieving lasting financial independence.
She also expressed concern over what she described as declining moral standards in the country’s political and social environment.
According to her, many young people now look up to individuals with questionable reputations because society increasingly celebrates wealth and influence without considering character.
She said, “The wrong type of characters have invaded our political space, and young people are starting to view them as role models.”
Ms. Ukegbu lamented the absence of strong mentorship structures capable of guiding youths toward responsible citizenship and ethical leadership.
“There was a time when values and principles mattered greatly in this country, but many of those standards are gradually disappearing,” she added.
She called on parents, institutions, and community leaders to deliberately mentor young Nigerians and promote values like honesty, hard work, and patriotism.
“Our youths are not beyond redemption. “They need direction, mentorship, and opportunities to realise that success can still come through legitimate means,” she said.
